Display flying.

[1946]

To all the display pilots out there a question: Some details on the best way to work up a small display for an open day, using an Auster. Best method of display, angles of flight, manouvers, and any other relivent details that may be of help.
It might only be an Auster, but---.

[Flyin'Dutch']

For a display you need a display authorisation from the CAA, not the advice from an anonymous bulletin board.

I am not sure how you would go about getting one, short of contacting the CAA, and the tuition which is required.

You may have more success if you post something along the lines of getting a DA on the nostalgia forum as I know that there are quite a few folks on there that do displays.

Best of luck.

FD

[Genghis the Engineer]

Be fair on the chap FD, this is the forum where most of the little-aeroplane expertise is to be found, and that's what he's asking about is flying a small slow aeroplane.

1946 - If you haven't already, you should download CAP 403 from the CAA's website which is the display regulations. So far as the practicalities of displaying small slow aeroplanes are concerned, I wrote an article about this in one of the American flying magazines a few years ago. Give me a day or two, and I'll dig it out and post the interesting bits.

G

[stiknruda]

1946

You'll need to speak to Dave Evans at the CAA and he'll issue you with a provisional DA. Once you've mastered your display, you'll need to contact one of several DAEs (display authorisation examiners) and get examined and signed off. You then post this and a large cheque off to the CAA.

Of course if it just a one-off and you don't break the 500' rule or overfly crowds.........



Stik

[QNH 1013]

Hang on a minute. I have a feeling that this chap is in Australia, so the CAA aren't likely to be involved. Either that or "location 40 S" doesn't mean what I think it means.

Advice from a fairly new and inexperienced display pilot:

1. Find someone who is already a display pilot and talk through your plans and routine with him or her.

2. Practice practice practice (starting high even for a "flat" display) and don't underestimate how many hours it takes.

3. Get display pilot from 1. above to watch and give you feedback.

4. Keep the display "tight" if you are using a vintage and slow aircraft and try to never be flying straight and level. A videotape recording is a good way to spot the boring bits.

5. Decide on your max angle of bank and put felt pen lines on the screen to prevent you overbanking. Look at the g vs angle-of-bank curve and decide on your limit.

6. I found lots of other tips speaking to more experienced display pilots, so talk to as many as you can.

7. Work out where you will go if the engine quits for every part of the display. You won't have a lot of thinking time from 100 ft.

8. Spend a lot of time with pencil and paper to check that what you are trying to fly is possible, and to see what space it requires.

9. Five minutes is about right for this sort of aircraft.

If, however, you are in the UK then the advice in the posts above is spot-on.

[G-KEST]

If you send me a PM then we can take matters further.

I am a CAA appointed display authorisation evaluator along with around 40 others round the UK covering the vasy majority of disciplines. We could discuss the whole matter then arrange some coaching prior to an evaluation at a mutually convenient venue.

In any case download and print out CAP403 and contact Dave Evans at [email protected] to express your intention to seek a DA and for him to issue you with an application form and provisional DA number.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Trapper 69

[1946]

QNH 1013

You can go to the top of the class. I am from godzone and downunder, in fact, the bit that has dropped off the bottom, (TAS). Thank you all for the words of advice, and what I am looking for is a small list of routines eg low and slow pass, turns at suitable height, manouvering, etc. If you display, what do you do to best show your aircraft to the public.

1946: O

[Genghis the Engineer]

Found my article, which was written when I was trying to get a DA about 3 years ago (never did finish, but that's more to do with my teacher / formation partner's wife having a kidney transplant than anything else - it sort of took his mind off the job, and we never finished the task). Most of it is chatty rather than informative, but this was my "main lessons learned" as written at the time:-


1. When leading a formation, always keep the throttle near the middle, if you use full throttle or idle, you’ll almost certainly lose your wingman.
2. Never fly right behind a (type with highly swept wings), the turbulence is dreadful.
3. (The type I was flying) are designed for good visibility forwards and downwards, so when formating on another microlight, start above or level, never below.
4. Flying slowly directly into wind looks very impressive from the ground.
5. So do steep climbs into wind.
6. When the wind is blowing towards the crowd, plan your turns away from the crowd – flying over them is the easiest way to lose your display licence.
7. Make sure that whatever display routines you plan, you always have enough personal mental capacity left to lookout and cope with the unexpected. (What do you do if the engine coughs in formation for example?)
8. Formation flying is like stalking lions. The closer you get, the more frightening it becomes.


Probably not much help, but gives you something,

G

[djpil]

1946 - I suggest that you contact Peter Bernadi at the Antique Aeroplane Association. (http://www.antique-aeroplane.com.au/about.htm) Peter and friends do something at all the local shows.
I won't try to talk you into a Porteous Loop.

[Deneb]

You could try getting in touch with Brigadier Edward Tait at the Museum of Army Flying, Middle Wallop, Hampshire. last I heard he was the Director there - but more importantly he used to run the Auster display team for a good few years. (I'm sure there is a webite somewhere)

Lovely chap, I 'm sure he will be very helpfull.

best wishes

J

[Zlin526]

Formation flying is like stalking lions. The closer you get, the more frightening it becomes.

And also becomes easier.....But obviously not for those who have only just started!:{

I agree with G-KEST and Stik, get in touch with Dave Evans at the CAA and he'll give you all the info you need.

[ANDY CUBIN]

1946,

The earth is littered with display pilots who have pushed limits beyond own or aircraft limits - often to their surprise.

Display flying is highly specialised irrespective of whatever type you are in.

My advice (take it or leave it!):

1. Research the sh** out of the subject.
2. Talk to a display guru who has been there & done that - and he'll frighten you sh**less.
3. Get a bit of advanced handling training.

and when you do come to do it...

4. Leave yourself a few more feet than you need.
5. Have a few more knots in hand than you need.
6. An extra G on your side is always a good idea - you'll definitely need it one day.

good luck

Andy Cubin

[1946]

Thank you all

My greatest thanks to all of the pruners who replied to my enquirie. All of the advice which has been given is most appreciated. I will certainly take it 'on board'. I am about to embark on a course of formation flying so as to sharpen up my skills. I will endevour to contact the people mentioned and also seek their advice. Thanks again.:ok: